A method for manufacturing a thermally treated steel sheet

ABSTRACT

A method for manufacturing a thermally treated steel sheet is described. The method includes:
         A. preparation step containing:
             1 ) a selection substep, wherein:
               a. m target  and a chemical composition are compared to a list of predefined products, whose microstructure contains predefined phases and predefined proportion of phases, and a product having a microstructure m standard  closest to m target  and TP standard  is selected, including at least a heating, a soaking and a cooling steps, to obtain m standard ,   b. a heating path, a soaking path including a soaking temperature T soaking , a power cooling of the cooling system and a cooling temperature T cooling  are selected based on TP standard  and         2 ) a calculation substep, wherein through variation of the cooling power, new cooling paths CP x  are calculated based on the product selected in step A. 1 ) a and TP standard , the initial microstructure m i  of the steel sheet to reach m target , the heating path, the soaking path comprising T soaking  and T cooling , the cooling step of TP standard  is recalculated using said CP x  in order to obtain new thermal paths TP x , each TP x  corresponding to a microstructure m x ,     3 ) a selection substep wherein one TP target  to reach m target  is selected, TP target  being chosen among the calculated thermal paths TP x  and being selected such that m x  is the closest to m target , and   
           B. a thermal treatment step wherein TP target  is performed on the steel sheet.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermallytreated steel sheet having a microstructure m_(target) in a heattreatment line. The invention is particularly well suited for themanufacture of automotive vehicles.

BACKGROUND

It is known to use coated or bare steel sheets for the manufacture ofautomotive vehicles. A multitude of steel grades are used to manufacturea vehicle. The choice of steel grade depends on the final application ofthe steel part. For example, IF (Interstitial-Free) steels can beproduced for an exposed part, TRIP (Transformation-Induced Plasticity)steels can be produced for seat and floor cross members or A-pillars,and DP (Dual Phase) steels can be produced for rear rails or roof crossmember.

During production of theses steels, crucial treatments are performed onthe steel in order to obtain the desired part having excepted mechanicalproperties for one specific application. Such treatments can be, forexample, a continuous annealing before deposition of a metallic coatingor a quenching and partitioning treatment. In these treatments, thecooling step is important because the microstructure and the mechanicalproperties of steels mostly depend on the performed cooling treatment.Usually, the treatment including the cooling step to perform is selectedin a list of known treatments, this treatment being chosen depending onthe steel grade.

Patent application WO2010/049600 relates to a method of using aninstallation for heat treating a continuously moving steel strip,comprising the steps of: selecting a cooling rate of the steel stripdepending on, among others, metallurgical characteristics at the entryand metallurgical characteristics required at the exit of theinstallation; entering the geometric characteristics of the band;calculating power transfer profile along the steel route in the lightwith the line speed; determining desired values for the adjustmentparameters of the cooling section, and adjusting the power transfer ofthe cooling devices of the cooling section according to said monitoringvalues.

However, this method is only based on the selection and the applicationof well-known cooling cycles. It means that for one steel grade, forexample TRIP steels, there is a huge risk that the same cooling cycle isapplied even if each TRIP steel has its own characteristics comprisingchemical composition, microstructure, properties, surface texture, etc.Thus, the method does not take into account the real characteristics ofthe steel. It allows for the non-personalized cooling of a multitude ofsteel grades.

Consequently, the cooling treatment is not adapted to one specific steeland therefore at the end of the treatment, the desired properties arenot obtained. Moreover, after the treatment, the steel can have a bigdispersion of the mechanical properties. Finally, even if a wide rangeof steel grades can be manufactured, the quality of the cooled steel ispoor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, an object of various embodiments of the present invention is tosolve the above drawbacks by providing a method for manufacturing athermally treated steel sheet having a specific chemical steelcomposition and a specific microstructure m_(target) to reach in a heattreatment line. In particular, an object of various embodiments of thepresent invention is to perform a cooling treatment adapted to eachsteel sheet, such treatment being calculated very precisely in thelowest calculation time possible in order to provide a thermally treatedsteel sheet having the excepted properties, such properties having theminimum of properties dispersion possible.

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a thermally treatedsteel sheet having a microstructure m_(target) comprising from 0 to 100%of at least one phase chosen among: ferrite, martensite, bainite,pearlite, cementite and austenite, in a heat treatment line comprising aheating section, a soaking section and a cooling section including acooling system, wherein a thermal path TP_(target) is performed, suchmethod comprising:

A. a preparation step comprising:

-   -   1) a selection substep wherein:        -   a. m_(target) and the chemical composition are compared to a            list of predefined products, whose microstructure includes            predefined phases and predefined proportion of phases, in            order to select a product having a microstructure            m_(standard) closest to m_(target) and TP_(standard),            comprising at least a heating, a soaking and a cooling            steps, to obtain m_(standard),        -   b. a heating path, a soaking path including a soaking            temperature T_(soaking), the power cooling of the cooling            system and a cooling temperature T_(cooling) are selected            based on TP_(standard) and    -   2) a calculation substep wherein through variation of the        cooling power, new cooling paths CP_(x) are calculated based on        the selected product in step A.1) a and TP_(standard), the        initial microstructure m_(i) of the steel sheet to reach        m_(target), the heating path, the soaking path comprising        T_(soaking) and T_(cooling), the cooling step of TP_(standard)        being recalculated using said CP_(x) in order to obtain new        thermal paths TP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to a        microstructure m_(x),    -   3) a selection step wherein one TP_(target) to reach m_(target)        is selected, TP_(target) being chosen among the calculated        thermal paths TP_(x) and being selected such that m_(x) is the        closest to m_(target) and

B. a thermal treatment step wherein TP_(target) is performed on thesteel sheet.

In some embodiments, the predefined phases in step A.1), are defined byat least one element chosen from: the size, the shape, a chemical andthe composition.

In some embodiments, TP_(standard) further comprises a pre-heating step.

In some embodiments, TP_(standard) further comprises a hot-dip coatingstep, an overaging step a tempering step or a partitioning step.

In some embodiments, the microstructure m_(target) comprises:

100% of austenite,

from 5 to 95% of martensite, from 4 to 65% of bainite, the balance beingferrite,

from 8 to 30% of residual austenite, from 0.6 to 1.5% of carbon in solidsolution, the balance being ferrite, martensite, bainite, pearliteand/or cementite,

from 1% to 30% of ferrite and from 1% to 30% of bainite, from 5 and 25%of austenite, the balance being martensite,

from 5 to 20% of residual austenite, the balance being martensite,

ferrite and residual austenite,

residual austenite and intermetallic phases,

from 80 to 100% of martensite and from 0 to 20% of residual austenite100% martensite,

from 5 to 100% of pearlite and from 0 to 95% of ferrite, and

at least 75% of equiaxed ferrite, from 5 to 20% of martensite andbainite in amount less than or equal to 10%.

In some embodiments, said predefined product types include Dual Phase,Transformation Induced Plasticity, Quenched & Partitioned steel, TwinsInduced Plasticity, Carbide Free Bainite, Press Hardening Steel,TRIPLEX, DUPLEX and Dual Phase High Ductility DP.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the cooling power of the coolingsystem varies from a minimum to a maximum value.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the cooling power of the coolingsystem varies from a maximum to a minimum value.

In some embodiments, in step A.1.b), T_(soaking) is a fixed numberselected from the range between 600 to 1000° C.

In some embodiments, in step A.1.b), T_(soaking) varies from 600 to1000° C.

In some embodiments, after step A.2), a further calculation substep isperformed wherein:

-   -   a) T_(soaking) varies from in a predefined range value chosen        from 600 to 1000° C. and    -   b) For each T_(soaking) variation, new cooling paths CP_(x) are        calculated, based on the selected product in step A.1.a) and        TP_(standard), the initial microstructure m_(i) of the steel        sheet to reach m_(standard) and T_(cooling), the cooling step of        TP_(standard) being recalculated using said CP_(x) in order to        obtain new thermal paths TP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to a        microstructure m_(x).

In some embodiments, in the selection step A.3), the selectedTP_(target) further includes the value of T_(soaking).

In some embodiments, in step A.3), when at least two CP_(x) have theirm_(x) equal, the selected TP_(target) selected is the one having theminimum cooling power needed.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the differences between proportionsof phase present in m_(target) and m_(x) is ±3%.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the thermal enthalpy H releasedbetween m_(i) and m_(target) is calculated such that:

H _(released)=(X _(ferrite) *H _(ferrite))+(X _(martensite) *H_(martensite))+(X _(bainite) *H _(bainite))+(X _(pearlite) *H_(pearlite))+(H _(cementite) +X _(cementite))+(H _(austenite) +X_(austenite)),X being a phase fraction.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the all cooling path CP_(x) iscalculated such that:

${T\left( {t + {\Delta \; t}} \right)} = {{T(t)} + {{\frac{\left( {\phi_{Convection} + \phi_{radiance}} \right)}{\rho \cdot {Ep} \cdot C_{pe}}\Delta \; t} \pm \frac{H_{released}}{C_{pe}}}}$

with C_(pe): the specific heat of the phase (J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹), ρ: the densityof the steel (g·m⁻³), Ep: thickness of the steel (m), φ: the heat flux(convective and radiative in W), H_(released) (J·kg⁻¹), T: temperature(° C.) and t: time (s).

In some embodiments, in step A.2), at least one intermediate steelmicrostructure m_(xint) corresponding to an intermediate cooling pathCP_(xint) and the thermal enthalpy H_(xint) are calculated.

In some embodiments, in step A.2), CP_(x) is the sum of all CP_(xint)and H_(released) is the sum of all H_(xint).

In some embodiments, before step A.1.a), at least one targetedmechanical property P_(target) is chosen among yield strength YS,Ultimate Tensile Strength UTS, elongation hole expansion, formability isselected.

In some embodiments, m_(target) is calculated based on P_(target).

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the process parameters undergone bythe steel sheet before entering the heat treatment line are taken intoaccount to calculate CP_(x).

In some embodiments, the process parameters comprise at least oneelement chosen from among: a cold rolling reduction rate, a coilingtemperature, a run out table cooling path, a cooling temperature and acoil cooling rate.

In some embodiments, in step A.2) the process parameters of thetreatment line that the steel sheet will undergo in the heat treatmentline are taken into account to calculate CP_(x).

In some embodiments, the process parameters comprise at least oneelement chosen from among: a specific thermal steel sheet temperature toreach, the line speed, cooling power of the cooling sections, heatingpower of the heating sections, an overaging temperature, a coolingtemperature, a heating temperature and a soaking temperature.

In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises at least one jetcooling, at least one cooling spray or at least both.

In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises at least one jetcooling, the jet cooling comprises spraying a gas, an aqueous liquid ora mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the gas is chosen from air, HN_(x), H₂, N₂, Ar, He,steam water or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the aqueous liquid is chosen from water or ananofluid.

In some embodiments, the jet cooling sprays air with a debit flowbetween 0 and 350000 Nm³/h.

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is the bath temperature when thecooling section is followed by a hot-dip coating section comprising ahot-dip bath.

In some embodiments, the bath is based on aluminum or based on zinc.

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is the quenching temperature T_(q).

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is between 150 and 800° C.

In some embodiments, every time a new steel sheet enters into the heattreatment line, a new calculation step A.2) is automatically performedbased on the selection step A. 1) performed beforehand.

In some embodiments, an adaptation of the cooling path is performed asthe steel sheet entries into the cooling section of the heat treatmentline on the first meters of the sheet.

The present invention also provides a coil including said predefinedproduct types including DP, TRIP, Q&P, TWIP, CFB, PHS, TRIPLEX, DUPLEXand DP HD, obtainable from the method methods described above, the coilhaving a standard variation of mechanical properties below or equal to25 MPa between any two points along the coil. In some embodiments, astandard variation of the coil is below or equal to 15 MPa between anytwo points along the coil. In some embodiments, a standard variation ofthe coil is below or equal to 9 MPa between any two points along thecoil.

The present invention further provides a thermal treatment line for theimplementation of the methods described above.

In addition, the present invention provides a computer program productcomprising at least a metallurgical module, an optimization module and athermal module cooperating together to calculate TP_(target) suchmodules comprising software instructions that when implemented by acomputer implement the method according to claims.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To illustrate the invention, various embodiments and examples will bedescribed, particularly with reference to the following Figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a method according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a method according tothe present invention, wherein a continuous annealing of a steel sheetcomprising a heating step, a soaking step, a cooling step and anoveraging step is performed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an embodiment according to theinvention, wherein a continuous annealing is performed on a steel sheetbefore the deposition of a coating by hot-dip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following terms will be defined:

-   -   CC: chemical composition in weight percent,    -   m_(target): targeted value of the microstructure,    -   m_(standard): the microstructure of the selected product,    -   P_(target): targeted value of a mechanical property,    -   m_(i): initial microstructure of the steel sheet,    -   X: phase fraction in weight percent,    -   T: temperature in degree Celsius (° C.),    -   t: time (s),    -   s: seconds,    -   UTS: ultimate tensile strength (MPa),    -   YS: yield stress (MPa),    -   metallic coating based on zinc means a metallic coating        comprising above 50% of zinc,    -   metallic coating based on aluminum means a metallic coating        comprising above 50% of aluminum and    -   a heating path comprises a time, a temperature and a heating        rate,    -   a soaking path comprises a time, a temperature and a soaking        rate,    -   TP_(x), TP_(standard) and TP_(target) comprise a time, a        temperature of the thermal treatment and at least one element        chosen from: a cooling, an isotherm or a heating rate, the        isotherm rate having a constant temperature,    -   CP_(x) and CP_(xint) comprise a time, a temperature and a        cooling rate and    -   nanofluids: fluid comprising nanoparticles.

The designation “steel” or “steel sheet” means a steel sheet, a coil, aplate having a composition allowing the part to achieve a tensilestrength up to 2500 MPa and more preferably up to 2000 MPa. For example,the tensile strength is above or equal to 500 MPa, preferably above orequal to 1000 MPa, advantageously above or equal to 1500 MPa. A widerange of chemical composition is included since the method according tothe invention can be applied to any kind of steel.

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a thermally treatedsteel sheet having a microstructure m_(target) comprising from 0 to 100%of at least one phase chosen among: ferrite, martensite, bainite,pearlite, cementite and austenite, in a heat treatment line comprising aheating section, a soaking section and a cooling section including acooling system, wherein a thermal path TP_(target) is performed, suchmethod comprising:

A. preparation step comprising:

-   -   1) a selection substep wherein:        -   a. m_(target) and the chemical composition are compared to a            list of predefined products, whose microstructure includes            predefined phases and predefined proportion of phases, in            order to select a product having a microstructure            m_(standard) closest to m_(target) and TP_(standard),            comprising at least a heating, a soaking and a cooling step,            to obtain m_(standard),        -   b. a heating path, a soaking path including a soaking            temperature T_(soaking), the power cooling of the cooling            system and a cooling temperature T_(cooling) are selected            based on TP_(standard) and    -   2) a calculation substep wherein through variation of the        cooling power, new cooling paths CP_(x) are calculated based on        the selected product in step A.1.a) and TP_(standard), the        initial microstructure mi of the steel sheet to reach        m_(target), the heating path, the soaking path comprising        T_(soaking) and T_(cooling), the cooling step of TP_(standard)        being recalculated using said CP_(x) in order to obtain new        thermal paths TP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to a        microstructure m_(x),    -   3) a selection step wherein one TP_(target) to reach m_(target)        is selected, TP_(target) being chosen among the calculated        thermal paths TP_(x) and being selected such that m_(x) is the        closest to m_(target) and

B. a thermal treatment step wherein TP_(target) is performed on thesteel sheet.

Without willing to be bound by any theory, it seems that when a methodaccording to various embodiments of the present invention is applied, itis possible to obtain a personalized thermal, in particular coolingpath, for each steel sheet to treat in a short calculation time. Indeed,a method according to various embodiments of the present inventionallows for a precise and specific cooling path which takes into accountm_(target), in particular the proportion of all the phases during thecooling path and m_(i) (including the microstructure dispersion alongthe steel sheet). Indeed, the method according to various embodiments ofthe present invention takes into account for the calculation thethermodynamically stable phases, i.e. ferrite, austenite, cementite andpearlite, and the thermodynamic metastable phases, i.e. bainite andmartensite. Thus, a steel sheet having the expected properties with theminimum of properties dispersion possible is obtained. Preferably,TP_(standard) further comprises a pre-heating step.

In some embodiments, TP_(standard) further comprises a hot-dip coatingstep, an overaging step a tempering step or a partitioning step.

In some embodiments, the microstructure m_(target) to reach comprises:100% of austenite,

from 5 to 95% of martensite, from 4 to 65% of bainite, the balance beingferrite,

from 8 to 30% of residual austenite, from 0.6 to 1.5% of carbon in solidsolution, the balance being ferrite, martensite, bainite, pearliteand/or cementite,

from 1% to 30% of ferrite and from 1% to 30% of bainite, from 5 and 25%of austenite, the balance being martensite,

from 5 to 20% of residual austenite, the balance being martensite,

ferrite and residual austenite,

residual austenite and intermetallic phases,

from 80 to 100% of martensite and from 0 to 20% of residual austenite,

100% martensite,

from 5 to 100% of pearlite and from 0 to 95% of ferrite, and

at least 75% of equiaxed ferrite, from 5 to 20% of martensite andbainite in amount less than or equal to 10%.

In some embodiments, during the selection substep A.1), the chemicalcomposition and m_(target) are compared to a list of predefinedproducts. The predefined products can be any kind of steel grade. Forexample, they may include Dual Phase DP, Transformation InducedPlasticity (TRIP), Quenched & Partitioned steel (Q&P), Twins InducedPlasticity (TWIP), Carbide Free Bainite (CFB), Press Hardening Steel(PHS), TRIPLEX, DUPLEX and Dual Phase High Ductility (DP HD).

The chemical composition depends on each steel sheet. For example, thechemical composition of a DP steel can comprise:

-   -   0.05<C<0.3%,    -   0.5≤Mn<3.0%,    -   S≤0.008%,    -   P≤0.080%,    -   N≤0.1%,    -   Si≤1.0%,        the remainder of the composition making up of iron and        inevitable impurities resulting from the development.

Each predefined product comprises a microstructure including predefinedphases and predefined proportion of phases. In some embodiments, thepredefined phases in step A.1) are defined by at least one elementchosen from: the size, the shape and the chemical composition. Thus,m_(standard) includes predefined phases in addition to predefinedproportions of phase. Advantageously, m_(i), m_(x), m_(target) includephases defined by at least one element chosen from: the size, the shapeand the chemical composition.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the predefined producthaving a microstructure m_(standard) closest to m_(target) is selectedas well as TP_(standard) to reach m_(standard), m_(standard) comprisesthe same phases as m_(target). Preferably, m_(standard) also comprisesthe same phases proportions as m_(target).

FIG. 1 illustrates an example according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the steel sheet to treat has the following CC inweight: 0.2% of C, 1.7% of Mn, 1.2% of Si and of 0.04% Al. m_(target)comprises 15% of residual austenite, 40% of bainite and 45% of ferrite,from 1.2% of carbon in solid solution in the austenite phase. In theembodiment of the invention, CC and m_(target) are compared to a list ofpredefined products chosen from among products 1 to 4. CC and m_(target)correspond to product 3 or 4, such product being a TRIP steel.

Product 3 has the following CC₃ in weight: 0.25% of C, 2.2% of Mn, 1.5%of Si and 0.04% of Al. m₃, corresponding to TP₃, comprises 12% ofresidual austenite, 68% of ferrite and 20% of bainite, from 1.3% ofcarbon in solid solution in the austenite phase.

Product 4 has the following CC₄ in weight: 0.19% of C, 1.8% of Mn, 1.2%of Si and 0.04% of Al. m₄, corresponding to TP₄, comprises 12% ofresidual austenite and 45% of bainite and 43 of ferrite, from 1.1% ofcarbon in solid solution in the austenite phase.

Product 4 has a microstructure m₄ closest to m_(target) since it has thesame phases as m_(target) in the same proportions. As shown in FIG. 1,two predefined products can have the same chemical composition CC anddifferent microstructures. Indeed, Product₁ and Product_(1′) are bothDP600 steels (Dual Phase having a UTS of 600 MPa). One difference isthat Product₁ has a microstructure m_(i) and Product, has a differentmicrostructure min. The other difference is that Product₁ has a YS of360 MPa and Product, has a YS of 420 MPa. Thus, it is possible to obtainsteel sheets having different compromise UTS/YS for one steel grade.

Then, the power cooling of the cooling system, the heating path, thesoaking path including the soaking temperature T_(soaking) and thecooling temperature T_(cooling) to reach are selected based onTP_(standard).

During the calculation substep A.2), through variation of the coolingpower, new cooling paths CP_(x) are calculated based on the selectedproduct in step A.1.a) and TP_(standard), m_(i) to reach m_(target), theheating path, the soaking path comprising T_(soaking) and T_(cooling),the cooling step of TP_(standard) being recalculated using said CP_(x)in order to obtain new thermal paths TP_(x), each TP_(x) correspondingto a microstructure m_(x). The calculation of CP_(x) takes into accountthe thermal behavior and metallurgical behavior of the steel sheet whencompared to the conventional methods wherein only the thermal behavioris considered. In the example of the embodiment of FIG. 1, product 4 isselected because m₄ is the closest to m_(target), m₄ and TP₄ beingrespectively m_(standard) and TP_(standard).

FIG. 2 illustrates a continuous annealing of a steel sheet comprising aheating step, a soaking step, a cooling step and an overaging step. Amultitude of CP_(x) is calculated so to obtain news thermal paths TP_(x)and therefore one TP_(target).

Preferably, in step A.2), the cooling power of the cooling system variesfrom a minimum to a maximum value. The cooling power can be determinedby a flow rate of a cooling fluid, a temperature of a cooling fluid, thenature of cooling fluid and the thermal exchange coefficient, the fluidbeing a gas or a liquid.

In another embodiment, the cooling power of the cooling system variesfrom a maximum to a minimum value.

For example, the cooling system comprises at least one jet cooling, atleast one cooling spray or at least both. Preferably, the cooling systemcomprises at least one jet cooling, the jet cooling spraying a fluidbeing a gas, an aqueous liquid or a mixture thereof. For example, thegas is chosen from air, HN_(x), H₂, N₂, Ar, He, steam water or a mixturethereof. For example, the aqueous liquid is chosen from: water ornanofluids.

In some embodiments, jets cooling spray gas with a flow rate between 0and 350000 Nm³/h. The number of jets cooling present in the coolingsection depends on the heat treatment line, it can vary from 1 to 25,preferably from 1 to 20, advantageously from 1 to 15 and more preferablybetween from 1 and 5. The flow rate depends on the number of jetscooling. For example, the flow rate of one jet cooling is between 0 and50000 Nm³/h, preferably between 0 and 40000 Nm³/h, more preferablybetween 0 and 20000 Nm³/h.

When the cooling section comprises jets cooling, the variation ofcooling power is based on the flow rate. For example, for one jetcooling, 0 Nm³/h corresponds to a cooling power of 0% and 40000 Nm³/hcorresponds to a cooling power of 100%.

Thus, for example, the cooling power of one jet cooling varies from a 0Nm³/h, i.e. 0%, to 40000 Nm³/h, i.e. 100%. The minimum and maximum valueof the cooling power can be any value chosen in the range of 0 to 100%.For example, the minimum value is of 0%, 10%, 15% or 25%. For example,the maximum value is of 80%, 85%, 90% or 100%.

When the cooling section comprises at least 2 jets cooling, the coolingpower can be the same or different on each jet cooling. It means thateach jet cooling can be configured independently of one other. Forexample, when the cooling section comprising 11 jets cooling, thecooling power of the three first jets cooling can be of 100%, thecooling power of the following four can be of 45% and the cooling powerof the last four can be of 0%.

For example, the variation of the cooling power has an increment between5 to 50%, preferably between 5 to 40%, more preferably between 5 to 30%and advantageously between 5 to 20%. The cooling power increment is, forexample, of 10%, 15% or 25%.

When the cooling section comprises at least 2 jets cooling, the coolingpower increment can be the same or different on each jet cooling. Forexample, in step A.2), the cooling power increment can be of 5% on allthe jets cooling. In another embodiment, the cooling power increment canbe of 5% for the three first jets, 20% for the following four and 15%for the last four. Preferably, the cooling power increment is differentfor each jet cooling, for example 5% for the first jet, 20% for thesecond jet, 0% for the third jet, 10% for the fourth jet, 0% for thefifth jet, 35% of the sixth jet, etc.

In one embodiment, the cooling systems are configured depending on thephase transformation independently of one other. For example, when thecooling system comprises 11 jets cooling, the cooling power of the threefirst jets cooling can be configured for the transformation, the coolingpower of the following four can be configured for the transformation ofaustenite into perlite and the cooling power of the last four can beconfigured for the transformation of austenite into bainite. In anotherembodiment, the cooling power increment can be different for each jetcooling.

In some embodiments, in step A.1.b), T_(soaking) is a fixed numberselected from the range between 600 to 1000° C. For example, T_(soaking)can be of 700° C., 800° C. or 900° C. depending on the steel sheet.

In other embodiments, T_(soaking) varies from 600 to 1000° C. Forexample, T_(soaking) can vary from 650 to 750° C. or from 800 to 900° C.depending on the steel sheet.

In some embodiments, when T_(soaking) varies after step A.2), a furthercalculation substep is performed such that:

a. T_(soaking) varies from in a predefined range value chosen from 600to 1000° C. andb. For each T_(soaking) variation, new cooling paths CP_(x) arecalculated, based on the selected product in step A. 1.a) andTP_(standard), the initial microstructure m_(i) of the steel sheet toreach m_(standard) and T_(cooling), the cooling step of TP_(standard)being recalculated using said CP_(x) in order to obtain new thermalpaths TP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to a microstructure m_(x).

Indeed, with the method according to various embodiments of the presentinvention, the variation of T_(soaking) is taken into consideration forthe calculation of CP_(x). Thus, for each temperature of soaking, amultitude of new cooling paths CP_(x) is calculated.

Preferably, at least 10 CP_(X) are calculated, more preferably at least50, advantageously at least 100 and more preferably at least 1000. Forexample, the number of calculated CP_(x) is between 2 and 10000,preferably between 100 and 10000, more preferably between 1000 and10000.

In step A.3), one TP_(target) to reach m_(target) is selected,TP_(target) being chosen among the calculated TP_(x) and being selectedsuch that m_(x) is the closest to m_(target). Preferably, thedifferences between proportions of phase present in m_(target) and m_(x)is ±3%.

In some embodiments, when at least two TP_(x) have their m_(x) equal,the selected TP_(target) is the one having the minimum cooling powerneeded.

In some embodiments, when T_(soaking) varies, the selected TP_(target)further includes the value of T_(soaking) to reach m_(target),TP_(target) being chosen from TP_(x).

In some embodiments, in step A.2), the thermal enthalpy H releasedbetween m_(i) and m_(target) is calculated such that:

H _(released)=(X _(ferrite) *H _(ferrite))+(X _(martensite) *H_(martensite))+(X _(bainite) *H _(bainite))+(X _(pearlite) *H_(pearlite))+(H _(cementite) +X _(cementite))+(H _(austenite) +X_(austenite))

X being a phase fraction.

Without willing to be bound by any theory, H represents the energyreleased along the all thermal path when a phase transformation isperformed. It is believed that some phase transformations are exothermicand some of them are endothermic. For example, the transformation offerrite into austenite during a heating path is endothermic whereas thetransformation of austenite into pearlite during a cooling path isexothermic.

In one embodiment, in step A.2), the all thermal cycle CP_(x) iscalculated such that:

${T\left( {t + {\Delta \; t}} \right)} = {{T(t)} + {{\frac{\left( {\phi_{Convection} + \phi_{radiance}} \right)}{\rho \cdot {Ep} \cdot C_{pe}}\Delta \; t} \pm \frac{Hreleased}{C_{pe}}}}$

with C_(pe): the specific heat of the phase (J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹), p: the densityof the steel (g·m⁻³), Ep: the thickness of the steel (m), φ: the heatflux (convective and radiative in W), H_(realeased) (J·kg⁻¹), T: thetemperature (° C.) and t: the time (s).

In some embodiments, in step A.2), at least one intermediate steelmicrostructure m_(xint) corresponding to an intermediate thermal pathCP_(xint) and the thermal enthalpy H_(xint) are calculated. In thiscase, the calculation of CP_(x) is obtained by the calculation of amultitude of CP_(xint). Thus, preferably, CP_(x) is the sum of allCP_(xint) and H_(released) is the sum of all H_(xint). In this preferredembodiment, CP_(xint) is calculated periodically. For example, it iscalculated every 0.5 seconds, preferably 0.1 seconds or less.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment, wherein in step A.2), m_(int1) andm_(int2) corresponding respectively to CP_(xint1) and CP_(xint2) as wellas H_(xint1) and H_(xint2) are calculated. H_(released) during the allthermal path is determined to calculate CP_(x). In this embodiment, amultitude, i.e more than 2, of CP_(xint), m_(xint) and H_(xint) can becalculated to obtain CPx (not shown).

In some embodiments, before step A.1), at least one targeted mechanicalproperty P_(target) chosen among yield strength YS, Ultimate TensileStrength UTS, elongation, hole expansion, formability is selected. Inthis embodiment, preferably, m_(target) is calculated based onP_(target).

Without willing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that thecharacteristics of the steel sheet are defined by the process parametersapplied during the steel production. Thus, advantageously, in step A.2),the process parameters undergone by the steel sheet before entering theheat treatment line are taken into account to calculate CP_(x). Forexample, the process parameters comprise at least one element chosenfrom among: a cold rolling reduction rate, a coiling temperature, a runout table cooling path, a cooling temperature and a coil cooling rate.

In another embodiment, the process parameters of the treatment line thatthe steel sheet will undergo in the heat treatment line are taken intoaccount to calculate CP_(x). For example, the process parameterscomprise at least one element chosen from among: the line speed, aspecific thermal steel sheet temperature to reach, heating power of theheating sections, a heating temperature and a soaking temperature,cooling power of the cooling sections, a cooling temperature, anoveraging temperature.

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is the bath temperature when thecooling section is followed by a hot-dip coating section comprising ahot-dip bath. Preferably, the bath is based on aluminum or based onzinc.

In some embodiments, the bath based on aluminum comprises less than 15%Si, less than 5.0% Fe, optionally 0.1 to 8.0% Mg and optionally 0.1 to30.0% Zn, the remainder being Al.

In other embodiments, the bath based on zinc comprises 0.01-8.0% Al,optionally 0.2-8.0% Mg, the remainder being Zn.

The molten bath can also comprise unavoidable impurities and residualselements from feeding ingots or from the passage of the steel sheet inthe molten bath. For example, the optionally impurities are chosen fromSr, Sb, Pb, Ti, Ca, Mn, Sn, La, Ce, Cr, Zr or Bi, the content by weightof each additional element being inferior to 0.3% by weight. Theresidual elements from feeding ingots or from the passage of the steelsheet in the molten bath can be iron with a content up to 5.0%,preferably 3.0%, by weight.

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is the quenching temperature Tq.Indeed, for the Q&P steel sheet, an important point of a quenching &partitioning treatment is T_(q).

In some embodiments, T_(cooling) is between 150 and 800° C.

In some embodiments, every time a new steel sheet enters into the heattreatment line, a new calculation step A.2) is automatically performedbased on the selection step A.1) performed beforehand. Indeed, themethod according to the present invention adapts the cooling path toeach steel sheet even if the same steel grade enters in the heattreatment line since the real characteristics of each steel oftendiffers. The new steel sheet can be detected and the new characteristicsof the steel sheet are measured and are pre-selected beforehand.

For example, a sensor detects the welding between two coils FIG. 4illustrates an example of an embodiment according to the presentinvention, wherein a continuous annealing is performed on a steel sheetbefore the deposition of a coating by hot-dip. With the method accordingto various embodiments of the present invention, after a selection of apredefined product having a microstructure close to m_(target) (notshown), a CP_(x) is calculated based on m_(i), the selected product andm_(target). In these embodiments, intermediate thermal paths CP_(xint1)to CP_(xint3), corresponding respectively to m_(xint1) to m_(xint3), andH_(xint1) to H_(xint3) are calculated. H_(released) is determined inorder to obtain CP_(x) and therefore TP_(x). In this Figure, TP_(target)is illustrated.

With the method according to various embodiments of the presentinvention, a thermal treatment step TP_(target) is performed on thesteel sheet.

The invention also provides a coil made of a steel sheet including saidpredefined product types, including DP, TRIP, Q&P, TWIP, CFB, PHS,TRIPLEX, DUPLEX, DP HD, such coil having a standard variation ofmechanical properties below or equal to 25 MPa, preferably below orequal to 15 MPa, more preferably below or equal to 9 MPa, between anytwo points along the coil. Indeed, without willing to be bound by anytheory, it is believed that the method including the calculation stepA.2) takes into account the microstructure dispersion of the steel sheetalong the coil. Thus, TP_(target) applied on the steel sheet in stepallows for a homogenization of the microstructure and also of themechanical properties. Preferably, the mechanical properties are chosenfrom YS, UTS or elongation. The low value of standard variation is dueto the precision of TP_(target).

In some embodiments, the coil is covered by a metallic coating based onzinc or based on aluminum.

In some embodiments, in an industrial production, the standard variationof mechanical properties between 2 coils made of a steel sheet includingsaid predefined product types include DP, TRIP, Q&P, TWIP, CFB, PHS,TRIPLEX, DUPLEX, DP HD measured successively produced on the same lineis below or equal to 25 MPa, preferably below or equal to 15 MPa, morepreferably below or equal to 9 MPa.

A thermally treatment line for the implementation of a method accordingto the present invention is used to perform TP_(target). For example, insome embodiments, the thermally treatment line is a continuous annealingfurnace.

The invention also provides a computer program product comprising atleast a metallurgical module, a thermal module and an optimizationmodule cooperating together to determine TP_(target), such modulescomprising software instructions that when implemented by a computerimplement a method according to the present invention.

The metallurgical module predicts the microstructure (m_(x), m_(target)including metastable phases: bainite and martensite and stables phases:ferrite, austenite, cementite and pearlite) and more precisely theproportion of phases all along the treatment and predicts the kinetic ofphases transformation.

The thermal module predicts the steel sheet temperature depending on theinstallation used for the thermal treatment, the installation being forexample a continuous annealing furnace, the geometric characteristics ofthe band, the process parameters including the power of cooling, heatingor isotherm power, the thermal enthalpy H released or consumed along theall thermal path when a phase transformation is performed.

The optimization module determines the best thermal path to reachm_(target), i.e. TP_(target) following the method according to thepresent invention using the metallurgical and thermal modules.

The invention will now be explained in examples carried out. They arenot limiting.

Example

In this example, DP780GI having the following chemical composition waschosen:

C (%) Mn (%) Si (%) Cr (%) Mo (%) P (%) Cu (%) Ti (%) N (%) 0.145 1.80.2 0.2 0.0025 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.06

The cold-rolling had a reduction rate of 50% to obtain a thickness of 1mm.

m_(target) to reach comprises 13% of martensite, 45% of ferrite and 42%of bainite, corresponding to the following P_(target): YS of 500 MPa anda UTS of 780 MPa. A cooling temperature T_(cooling) of 460° C. has alsoto be reached in order to perform a hot-dip coating with a zinc bath.This temperature must be reached with an accuracy of +/−2° C. toguarantee good coatability in the Zn bath.

Firstly, the steel sheet was compared to a list of predefined productsin order to obtain a selected product having a microstructurem_(standard) closest to m_(target). The selected product was also aDP780GI having the following chemical composition:

C (%) Mn (%) Si (%) 0.15 1.9 0.2

The microstructure of DP780GI, i.e. m_(standard), comprises 10%martensite, 50% ferrite and 40% bainite. The corresponding thermal pathTP_(standard) is as follows:

-   -   a pre-heating step wherein the steel sheet is heated from        ambient temperature to 680° C. during 35 seconds,    -   a heating step wherein the steel sheet is heated from 680° C. to        780° C. during 38 seconds,    -   soaking step wherein the steel sheet is heated at a soaking        temperature T_(soaking) of 780° C. during 22 seconds,    -   a cooling step wherein the steel sheet is cooled with 11 jets        cooling spraying HN_(x) as follows:

Jets Jet 1 Jet 2 Jet 3 Jet 4 Jet 5 Jet 6 Jet 7 Jet 8 Jet 9 Jet 10 Jet 11Cooling 13 10 12 7 10 14 41 26 25 16 18 rate (° C./s) Time (s) 1.76 1.761.76 1.76 1.57 1.68 1.68 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.52 T(° C.) 748 730 709 697 681658 590 550 513 489 462 Cooling 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 100 100 100 100 power(%)

-   -   a hot-dip coating in a zinc bath à 460° C.,    -   the cooling of the steel sheet until the top roll during 24.6 s        at 300° C. and    -   the cooling of the steel sheet at ambient temperature. Then, a        multitude of cooling paths CP_(x) were calculated based on the        selected product DP780GI and TP_(standard), m_(i) of DP780 to        reach m_(target), the heating path, the soaking path comprising        T_(soaking) and T_(cooling).

The cooling step of TP_(standard) was recalculated using said CP_(x) inorder to obtain new thermal paths TP_(x). After the calculation ofTP_(x), one TP_(target) to reach m_(target) was selected, TP_(target)being chosen from TP_(x) and being selected such that m_(x) is theclosest to m_(target). TP_(target) is as follows:

-   -   a pre-heating step wherein the steel sheet is heated from        ambient temperature to 680° C. during 35 seconds,    -   a heating step wherein the steel sheet is heated from 680° C. to        780° C. during 38 s,    -   soaking step wherein the steel sheet is heated at a soaking        temperature T_(soaking) of 780° C. during 22 seconds,    -   a cooling step CPx comprising:

Jets Jet 1 Jet 2 Jet 3 Jet 4 Jet 5 Jet 6 Jet 7 Jet 8 Jet 9 Jet 10 Jet 11Cooling 18 11 12 7 38 27 48 19 3 7 6 rate (° C./s) Time (s) 1.76 1.761.76 1.76 1.57 1.68 1.68 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.52 T(° C.) 748 729 709 697 637592 511 483 479 468 458 Cooling 0 0 0 0 40 20 100 100 20 20 20 power(%)

a hot-dip coating in a zinc bath a 460° C.,

the cooling of the steel sheet until the top roll during 24.6 s at 300°C. and

the cooling of the steel sheet until ambiant temperature.

Table 1 shows the properties obtained with TP_(standard) and TP_(target)on the steel sheet:

Expected TP_(standard) TP_(target) properties T_(cooling) obtained 462°C. 458.09° C. 460° C. Microstructure X_(martensite): 12.83%X_(martensite): 12.86% X_(martensite): 13% obtained at the X_(ferrite):53.85% X_(ferrite): 47.33% X_(ferrite): 45% end of the thermalX_(bainite): 33.31% X_(bainite): 39.82% X_(bainite): 42% pathMicrostructure X_(martensite): 0.17% X_(martensite): 0.14% — deviationwith X_(ferrite): 8.85% X_(ferrite): 2.33% respect to m_(target)X_(bainite): 8.69% X_(bainite): 2.18% YS (MPa) 434 494 500 YS deviationwith 66 6 — respect to P_(target) MPa) UTS (MPa) 786 792 780 UTSdeviation 14 8 — with respect to P_(target) (MPa)

With the method according to the present invention, it is possible toobtain a steel sheet having the desired expected properties since thethermal path TP_(target) is adapted to each steel sheet. On thecontrary, by applying a conventional thermal path TP_(standard) theexpected properties are not obtained.

1-41. (canceled) 42: A method for manufacturing a thermally treatedsteel sheet having a microstructure m_(target) comprising from 0 to 100%of at least one phase chosen among: ferrite, martensite, bainite,pearlite, cementite and austenite, in a heat treatment line comprising aheating section, a soaking section and a cooling section including acooling system, wherein a thermal path TP_(target) is performed, suchmethod comprising: A. preparation step comprising: 1) a selectionsubstep, wherein: a. m_(target) and a chemical composition are comparedto a list of predefined products, whose microstructure comprisespredefined phases and predefined proportion of phases, and a producthaving a microstructure m_(standard) closest to m_(target) andTP_(standard) is selected, comprising at least a heating, a soaking anda cooling steps, to obtain m_(standard), b. a heating path, a soakingpath including a soaking temperature T_(soaking), a power cooling of thecooling system and a cooling temperature T_(cooling) are selected basedon TP_(standard) and 2) a calculation substep, wherein through variationof the cooling power, new cooling paths CP_(x) are calculated based onthe product selected in step A. 1) a and TP_(standard), the initialmicrostructure m_(i) of the steel sheet to reach m_(target), the heatingpath, the soaking path comprising T_(soaking) and T_(cooling), thecooling step of TP_(standard) is recalculated using said CP_(x) in orderto obtain new thermal paths TP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to amicrostructure m_(x), 3) a selection substep wherein one TP_(target) toreach m_(target) is selected, TP_(target) being chosen among thecalculated thermal paths TP_(x) and being selected such that m_(x) isthe closest to m_(target), and B. a thermal treatment step whereinTP_(target) is performed on the steel sheet. 43: A method according toclaim 42, wherein the predefined phases in step A. 1), are defined by atleast one element chosen from: a size, a shape, a chemical and acomposition. 44: A method according to claim 42, wherein TP_(standard)further comprises a pre-heating step. 45: A method according to claim42, wherein TP_(standard) further comprise a hot-dip coating step, anoveraging step, a tempering step, or a partitioning step. 46: A methodaccording to claim 42, wherein the microstructure m_(target) comprises:100% of austenite, from 5 to 95% of martensite, from 4 to 65% ofbainite, the balance being ferrite, from 8 to 30% of residual austenite,from 0.6 to 1.5% of carbon in solid solution, the balance being ferrite,martensite, bainite, pearlite and/or cementite, from 1% to 30% offerrite and from 1% to 30% of bainite, from 5 and 25% of austenite, thebalance being martensite, from 5 to 20% of residual austenite, thebalance being martensite, ferrite and residual austenite, residualaustenite and intermetallic phases, from 80 to 100% of martensite andfrom 0 to 20% of residual austenite 100% martensite, from 5 to 100% ofpearlite and from 0 to 95% of ferrite, and at least 75% of equiaxedferrite, from 5 to 20% of martensite and bainite in amount less than orequal to 10%. 47: A method according to claim 42, wherein saidpredefined product types comprise a Dual Phase steel, a TransformationInduced Plasticity steel, a Quenched & Partitioned steel, a TwinsInduced Plasticity steel, a Carbide Free Bainite steel, a PressHardening Steel, a TRIPLEX, DUPLEX and Dual Phase High Ductility DPsteels. 48: A method according to claim 42, wherein in step A.2), thecooling power of the cooling system varies from a minimum to a maximumvalue. 49: A method according to claim 42, wherein in step A.2), thecooling power of the cooling system varies from a maximum to a minimumvalue. 50: A method according to claim 42, wherein in step A.1.b),T_(soaking) is a fixed number selected from the range between 600 to1000° C. 51: A method according to claim 42, wherein in step A.1.b),T_(soaking) varies from 600 to 1000° C. 52: A method according to claim51, wherein after step A.2), a further calculation sub-step is performedwherein: a. T_(soaking) varies from in a predefined range value chosenfrom 600 to 1000° C. and b. For each T_(soaking) variation, new coolingpaths CP_(x) are calculated, based on the selected product in step A.1)a and TP_(standard), the initial microstructure m_(i) of the steel sheetto reach m_(standard) and T_(cooling), the cooling step of TP_(standard)is recalculated using said CP_(x) in order to obtain new thermal pathsTP_(x), each TP_(x) corresponding to a microstructure m_(x). 53: Amethod according to claim 52, wherein in the selection step A.3), theselected TP_(target) further includes the value of T_(soaking). 54: Amethod according to 53, wherein in step A.3), when at least two CP_(x)have their m_(x) equal, the selected TP_(target) is the one having theminimum cooling power needed. 55: A method according to claim 42,wherein in step A.2), the differences between proportions of phasepresent in m_(target) and m_(x) is ±3%. 56: A method according to claim42, wherein in step A.2), the thermal enthalpy H released between m_(i)and m_(target) is calculated such that:H _(released)=(X _(ferrite) *H _(ferrite))+(X _(martensite) *H_(martensite))+(X _(bainite) *H _(bainite))+(X _(pearlite) *H_(pearlite))+(H _(cementite) +X _(cementite))+(H _(austenite) +X_(austenite)),X being a phase fraction. 57: A method according to claim42, wherein in step A.2), the all cooling path CP_(x) is calculated suchthat:${T\left( {t + {\Delta \; t}} \right)} = {{T(t)} + {{\frac{\left( {\phi_{Convection} + \phi_{radiance}} \right)}{\rho \cdot {Ep} \cdot C_{pe}}\Delta \; t} \pm \frac{H_{released}}{C_{pe}}}}$with C_(pe): the specific heat of the phase (J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹), ρ: the densityof the steel (g·m⁻³), E_(p): thickness of the steel (m), φ: the heatflux (convective and radiative in W), H_(realeased) (J·kg⁻¹), T:temperature (° C.) and t: time (s). 58: A method according to claim 56,wherein in step A.2), at least one intermediate steel microstructurem_(xint) corresponding to an intermediate cooling path CP_(xint) and thethermal enthalpy H_(xint) are calculated. 59: A method according toclaim 58, wherein in step A.2), CP_(x) is the sum of all CP_(xint), andH_(released) is the sum of all H_(xint). 60: A method according to claim42, wherein before step A.1.a), at least one targeted mechanicalproperty P_(target) chosen among yield strength YS, Ultimate TensileStrength UTS, elongation hole expansion, and formability is selected.61: A method according to claim 60, wherein m_(target) is calculatedbased on P_(target). 62: A method according to claim 42, wherein in stepA.2), the process parameters undergone by the steel sheet beforeentering the heat treatment line are taken into account to calculateCP_(x). 63: A method according to claim 62, wherein the processparameters comprise at least one element chosen from among: a coldrolling reduction rate, a coiling temperature, a run out table coolingpath, a cooling temperature and a coil cooling rate. 64: A methodaccording to claim 42, wherein in step A.2) the process parameters ofthe treatment line that the steel sheet will undergo in the heattreatment line are taken into account to calculate CP_(x). 65: A methodaccording to claim 64, wherein the process parameters comprise at leastone element chosen from among: a specific thermal steel sheettemperature to reach, the line speed, cooling power of the coolingsections, heating power of the heating sections, an overagingtemperature, a cooling temperature, a heating temperature and a soakingtemperature. 66: A method according to claim 42, wherein the coolingsystem comprises at least one jet cooling, at least one cooling spray orat least both. 67: A method according to claim 66, wherein when thecooling system comprises at least one jet cooling, the jet coolingsprays a gas, an aqueous liquid or a mixture thereof. 68: A methodaccording to claim 67, wherein the gas is chosen from air, HN_(x), H₂,N₂, Ar, He, steam water or a mixture thereof. 69: A method according toclaim 68, wherein the aqueous liquid is chosen from water or ananofluid. 70: A method according to claim 68, wherein the jet coolingsprays air with a debit flow between 0 and 350000 Nm³/h. 71: A methodaccording to claim 42, wherein T_(cooling) is the bath temperature whenthe cooling section is followed by a hot-dip coating section comprisinga hot-dip bath. 72: A method according to claim 71, wherein the bath isbased on aluminum or based on zinc. 73: A method according to claim 42,wherein T_(cooling) is the quenching temperature T_(q). 74: A methodaccording to claim 42, wherein T_(cooling) is between 150 and 800° C.75: A method according to claim 42, wherein every time a new steel sheetenters into the heat treatment line, a new calculation step A.2) isautomatically performed based on the selection step A.1) performedbeforehand. 76: A method according to claim 75, wherein an adaptation ofthe cooling path is performed as the steel sheet enters into the coolingsection of the heat treatment line on the first meters of the sheet. 77:A coil made of a steel sheet comprising a predefined product typescomprising DP, TRIP, Q&P, TWIP, CFB, PHS, TRIPLEX, DUPLEX and DP HDsteels, said steels obtained by a method according to claim 42 andhaving a standard variation of mechanical properties below or equal to25 MPa between any two points along the coil. 78: A coil according toclaim 77 having a standard variation is below or equal to 15 MPa betweenany two points along the coil. 79: A coil according to claim 78 having astandard variation is below or equal to 9 MPa between any two pointsalong the coil. 80: A coil according to claim 77 covered by a metalliccoating based on zinc or based on aluminum. 81: A thermal treatment linefor the implementation of the method according to claim 42, the thermaltreatment line comprising a heating section, a soaking section and acooling section comprising a cooling system. 82: A computer programproduct comprising at least a metallurgical module, an optimizationmodule and a thermal module cooperating together to calculateTP_(target) such modules comprising software instructions that whenimplemented by a computer implement a method according to claim 42.